Railway Housing Association

In spring 2 members of the 'Branksome Bugle' were picked to represent the school when 2 people from the Railway Housing Association came into school to donate some PSHCE books to us.
Here is an extract from their article on us:



"The books were presented to Liam Pape, 12, and James Allison, 13, who are both involved in the school newsletter, the Branksome Bugle. After the presentation Liam and James interviewed Karen about Railway Housing Association for an article they are going to write in the Bugle."

To read the full article please click here.

Wow!!

Wow, what a great web page this is! Everyone will miss the Bugle but so far the Wyvern is great. I can't wait until the first edition is published. If you have any comments about the blog or how it can be improved we are open to all suggestions. I am looking forward to what the Wyvern will get up to next at the Darlington School of Maths and Science. So Bye for now and please send in your suggestions. Thanks.

St. Teresa's Hospice charity concert

On Thursday 14th July at 1:30PM it was the trial run for the St. Teresa's Hospice concert. There were amazing performances from Mr Burford, Mrs Dunn, Brandon Holloway and many, many more. The real thing is tonight at 7 O'clock where there will be cakes and a performance from 'Push Chicago'.
Rebecca Parkinson, head reporter at the Wyvern, quotes "The best act was Mr Burfords and Mr Sayers's rendition of I've got a brand new combine harvester. It was such a weird concert!"

New logo

This is the new logo for the Wyvern. In the original 'Branksome Bugle' we did not have a logo but now we do we feel we have more of an identity. It will hopefully be on the front cover of every issue however because of the colour schemes we think it may be hard to see!

Full Mrs Hickerson Interwiew on the new school uniform!

Why did you choose to change the uniform?
We are becoming a new school and we will be known as Darlington School of Mathematics and Science, shortened to DSMS. We wanted a smart new uniform to go along with all of the exciting changes that are taking place.
What is your favourite part of the new uniform?
The blazers with the school badge on the pocket. They look extremely smart and have been well received by all of the pupils who have seen them.
Why did you choose to get clip-on ties?
We are a smart new school and we want to look the part. Clip-on ties do look very smart and everyone will look the same. The traditional ties are not always worn as they should be and can look very messy.
What gave you the inspiration for the new logo?
It is both modern and traditional. DSMS is clear and easy to remember and looks impressive on the shield in the new school colours.
Will the staff be wearing logo (e.g. Mrs Park the caretaker)?
The site staff, the catering staff and the PE staff will all be wearing work clothes that have the new logo on them.

Mr Stewart – English Teacher Extraordinaire

As Mr Stewart  is retiring we interviewed him about his memories of Branksome

His first memory of the school was in 1968 when his family moved to Darlington from Newton Aycliffe to take his ‘O’ levels (these are like our current GCSEs) – not many people remember ‘O’ levels now!

After 3 years of teacher training he came back to Branksome to teach. He then got an English degree and has had a career spanning 34 years.

Memories

Mr Stewart thought that taking the students to Wimbledon was the greatest memory as all the students on the trip enjoyed playing or watching tennis.

One of the most jaw-dropping experiences at Branksome was when an unexpected helicopter landed in the school yard. Every teacher and student watched in disbelief as Julie Park the Site manager was asked by former Headteacher John Meilroy, to go for a ride around the estate in  the helicopter – becoming Branksome’s first flying caretaker!

Another memory was when a Headteacher had the whole school painted completely and utterly pink – honest! Pink classrooms, pink corridors– everywhere pink to inspire the students. The chairs in the staffroom are a painful reminder of this time.

Once a brave but foolhardy pupil risked her life climbing up a drainpipe to get a 5 pence powerball.  All the teachers watched in terror as she got further and further up the drainpipe and then managed to get down safely with the ball.

Our intrepid English teacher also went on a lot of school holidays to France.  His most enjoyable memory of France was flying kites with Mr Parr – they were on a beach where the wind was very strong and had a fabulous time. ( Mr Stewart made a rude comment about Mr Parr at this point but the censors have removed it!)

Other memories include  the many successful school productions especially “Grease” which was brilliant everyone enjoyed it. (We are still waiting for the Romeo and Juliet production though Sir!)

We also asked about his retirement and his answer was “carpentry”  Apparently Mr Stewart is going back to college – Bishop Auckland Technical College, to learn how to make furniture. ( Could you make us some new shelves for the library please Mr Stewart?) Before all of this though he is going to take a well earned break in Greece in September.  We hope he will return sometimes to see us, but with 36 years of Branksome School behind him we acknowledge that he deserves a rest.

The last thing he said was “ This school is way better than its reputation – let it be known”

We agree Mr Stewart and wish you all the best in your retirement.

The Branksome Bugle Team.